Phuket is located on the west coast of Thailand and is the largest island in the country. Phuket is among the world’s finest beach destinations, with fine white sands, nodding palm trees, glittering seas and lively towns. It has something for any taste and budget, with hundreds of hotels to choose from, a wide choice of dining and partying options.
Top things to do in Phuket:
Phuket Big Buddha
This Buddha is among the most popular landmark in Phuket and it sits on top of the Nakkerd Hills. The statue stands at 45m tall and you cannot miss it once you get to the island. Once you get to the top of the hill, the views are to die for.
Karon View Point
This viewpoint located just south of Kata Noi Beach is a well-known viewpoint in Phuket and offers stunning views of the Andaman Sea and the surrounding areas and beaches.
Wat Chalong Temple
This is a top tourist hotspot for over a century and it is filled with a plethora of things to see starting from the Poh Jao Wat which is home to two statues of elderly men (Ta Khee-Lek and Nonsi). The highlight of the temple is the Grand Pagoda which houses a small splinter from the bone of Lord Buddha.
Phuket Fantasea Show
Phuket FantaSea is a Thai nighttime cultural theme park that covers an area of 60 acres and includes a Thai culture theatrical show, the biggest buffet restaurant in the world (4000 seats) and a shopping street. The famous 3200-seater Las-Vegas style theatre show is infused with illusion techniques and special effects where you will get an insight into Thailand’s myths and mysteries. You can also head to the shopping complex, carnival village and handicrafts section where you will not be devoid of things to do.
Kata Noi Beach
This is a small bay located just a short drive from Kata beach and it offers breathtaking scenery which makes it a perfect place to go if you want to relax or have a stroll along the magnificent sands or just go swimming. You can then head over to the Kata viewpoint where you can look across the bays of Kata, Karon, and Kata Noi. It is best to come here between November and April if you want to go swimming.
Patong
Patong is the party capital of Asia, with a world famous night life and a great beach. Mostly made up of hotels, world class restaurants, nightclubs and various tourist attractions, this is a hedonists’ heaven of night life, with numerous entertainment complexes and countless bars clustered together in and around Bangla Road and the beach road. Despite Patongs famous reputation , it offers so much more for families and couples.
Phuket Town
Phuket Town is the largest town in Phuket Province. It has a population of 63,000 and is the economic hub of the island. For the most part just an ordinary, scruffy provincial Thai town, it’s hardly a major tourist attraction, but the Chinatown area is worth a quick look and there are some great Thai-style shopping opportunities too. Overall, accommodation and food in the town is cheaper than near the beaches, which can provide a refreshing change of pace.
Island Tours
A popular option with all tourists to Phuket is a one-day tour to the beautiful islands around Phuket. Islands such as Phang-nga bay, Phi-Phi island, Khai island, Racha island, Hae island or Coral island, Maiton island etc are all possible to visit from Phuket.
Many tour agencies sell all-inclusive day tours from all over Phuket and prices can range depending on the tour and the type of boat being used. Speak to your hotel for tour recommendations or ask them to put you in touch with a reputable agent in Phuket.
Getting to Phuket and accommodation
Phuket International Airport is Thailand second largest hub. There are very frequent flights to and from Bangkok as well as direct flights to many other airports in the region, including Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, and direct charters to Europe and Australia in the high season. Qatar, Emirates and Etihad have daily flights to Phuket International Airport.
Once you arrive at Phuket there are many ground transportation options such as buses, taxis and boat service to other islands and regions. Phuket has some amazing accommodation options. From luxury beachfront hotels with private pools to budget friendly options close to the main nightlife, you can find it all.
